Mary L. Gentile | Grocery cofounder, 84

Mary L. Gentile, 84, of Gradyville, a mother of nine who cofounded her family's produce market, died of complications from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease Tuesday at home.

Mrs. Gentile grew up in Germantown. In 1944 she married her childhood sweetheart, Joseph A. Gentile, who worked in the produce business. In 1954 the couple opened a farm market in Broomall. Gentile's Market moved to Newtown Square in 1970. While raising nine children Mrs. Gentile helped out at the market. After her husband died in 1994 and her children took over the business, she stayed involved and assisted with the bookkeeping until three or four years ago, her daughter Rose Marie Gustafson said.

Mrs. Gentile enjoyed family outings to the Jersey Shore, trying her luck at the Atlantic City casinos, and doting on her grandchildren.

In addition to her daughter, she is survived by sons Joseph, Robert, Martin, Christopher and Francis; daughters Isabel Chapman, Constance Jones, and Mary Schneider; a brother; 18 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. today at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Rd., Chester Heights. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.